The stylish sipper’s collection: 10 chic glasses
The right glass changes how a drink smells, feels and looks. Here are ten that earn their shelf space, from a small-gift whisky glass to a crystal decanter set.
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I · The short versionQuick picks
| No. | Pick | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MartiniRiedel Vinum XL martini glasses $$$$ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
| 2 | Everyday redRiedel Vinum Cabernet/Merlot $$$$ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
| 3 | Whisky nosingGlencairn, set of 2 $$$$ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
| 4 | Design-forward whiskyNorlan whisky glass $$$$ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
| 5 | Splurge: the full setWaterford Lismore decanter set $$$$ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
II · The collectionTen chic glasses, and what each one is for
01 The crystal-cut coupe
Etched, old-world glamour for Champagne, a Daiquiri or a Martini. Vintage shops and estate sales are a good place to find mismatched sets.
02 The Riedel Vinum martini
Clean lines and a thin rim. Add a twist or an olive and that’s it. Riedel Vinum XL martini glasses.
03 The Norlan whisky glass
A double-walled glass with internal fins that aerate the pour as you swirl. On r/whiskey, r/WhiskeyTribe and in Breaking Bourbon’s review, drinkers call it stylish and say it softens the burn. They also note it’s light, fragile and harder to clean. Norlan whisky glass.
04 Gold-rimmed highballs
A thin gold rim dresses up a gin and tonic. Gold rims mean hand-washing only.
05 The Champagne saucer
The 1930s Hollywood glass. It loses bubbles faster than a flute, and nobody cares.
06 Stemless wine tumblers
Harder to knock over and fine in the dishwasher. They’re good for patios and parties.
07 Hand-painted highballs
Every glass is a little different. For tequila fans, the hand-blown Mexican version is MEXTEQUIL tequila glasses.
08 The tulip-shaped wine glass
A bowl that narrows at the top traps aroma. On r/wine and WineBerserkers, the Riedel Vinum Cabernet/Merlot is called great-value crystal that can go in the dishwasher. It’s thin, though, and owners report breaks while hand-drying. For something showier, try Riedel Ouverture.
09 The speakeasy coupe
A wide bowl and short stem are the cocktail-bar standard, and the wide bowl gives you room for garnishes.
10 The tasting glass
For whiskey flights, the Glencairn is the default. Whisky drinkers say it concentrates aroma and is cheap and durable. Want the whole table? The Waterford Lismore decanter set is the gift-tier splurge, though it has few public reviews.
III · Asked oftenFAQ
Can crystal go in the dishwasher?
Some modern lead-free crystal can, such as the Riedel Vinum line per owners. Gold rims and antique crystal can’t. Check the maker’s instructions.
Coupe or martini glass?
The coupe is less likely to spill. The V-shaped martini glass looks sharper. Both are fine.
Keep reading: The best whiskey glasses · Best wine fridges · Smart bar gadgets